In contrast, south Bengal is predicted to experience light to moderate rain in most places till August 13, with heavy rain at one or two places. While places like Hooghly, Purba and Paschim Bardhaman, Birbhum, Murshidabad, and parts of Nadia on Wednesday experienced lighter rainfall, the situation may change over the weekend, the weather department said.

The intense rainfall is expected to persist throughout the week, raising concerns about landslides, reduced visibility, and rising river levels. Residents in low-lying areas have been advised to remain vigilant.

Most of the districts in the state will receive heavy rainfall owing to a cyclonic circulation, which will intensify into a low-pressure area over Gangetic West Bengal and adjoining Jharkhand and north Odisha, the weather office said on Wednesday.

According to the forecast, a cyclone over Bangladesh and adjoining West Bengal, coupled with the monsoon axis shifting towards the Bay of Bengal, is contributing to the increased rainfall.

Pundibari in Cooch Behar district recorded the state’s highest rainfall in 24 hours till 8.30 am on Wednesday at 120 mm, while Algara in Kalimpong received 100 mm rain during the period.

The Met data said that Dum Dum received 80 mm rain during the same period while Darjeeling got 70 mm rainfall.

The Met office further said Kolkata and its surrounding areas can expect generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain or thunderstorms over the next 24 hours. Temperatures are predicted to range between 27 and 32 degrees Celsius. Residents are “advised” to take necessary precautions to ensure safety, it added.

— With PTI

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